COVID-19 Related Stay-at-Home to Stop Social Gatherings Advisory Issued: November 18, 2020

Effective Immediately Allegheny County is experiencing a rapid increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations which, left unchecked, poses a risk to our community and healthcare system.

Additional intervention is warranted to moderate case growth and preserve hospital capacity. It is more important than ever to follow guidance from local, state, and federal officials on how to stop the spread of the virus. Additionally, taking the steps listed below is critical to preventing the spread of the virus, protecting the lives of residents and preserving the county’s acute-care-hospital- and other healthcare-systems-capacity

As a result, the Director of the Health Department has issued the following COVID-19 advisory:

Beginning immediately, Allegheny County residents are asked to stay at home to stop social gatherings to stem the rapid rise of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in the county. Residents are advised to only leave home to go to work or school, for essential needs such as seeking medical care, going to the grocery store or pharmacy, getting food, or the like.

Residents must always wear a face mask and practice physical distancing by staying at least six feet away from others in accordance with the November 17 state masking order: (https://www.governor.pa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/20200701-SOH-Univ...)

Additionally, residents are strongly encouraged to:

a. Not have guests in their homes unless they are essential workers (e.g., home healthcare providers, childcare workers or educators).

b. Cancel traditional Thanksgiving celebrations and celebrate virtually with non-household members.

c. Avoid unnecessary travel.

d. Limit social event gatherings.

• Social event gatherings mean any pair or group of individuals who reside in different households who are in close proximity of one another for more than several minutes who come together for non-business-related activities. Social event gatherings include, but are not limited to, celebrations, parties, dinners, barbeques, and the like.

• Except as described below, there should be no indoor gatherings of more than 10 persons that includes individuals from more than one household in a residence or other private indoor location, other than to provide necessary care for a family member or as necessary due to emergency circumstances.

• Except as otherwise described below, there should be no outdoor social gatherings of more than 20 persons including people from more than one household held outside of private residences (e.g. yards), parks, or recreational spaces or event spaces.

• These limits do not supersede industries that have specified capacity guidelines in place from the Commonwealth; however, a meeting or social event that is outside of normal operations should be within the 10 (indoor) or 20 (outdoor) person limit.

This advisory shall remain in place for 30 days or until such time as the Health Director determines a change to the guidance is appropriate. All restrictions put in place by the Commonwealth and the PA Department of Health remain in effect. 

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